Magazine for the professional tire industry
Issue link: https://mtd.epubxp.com/i/148910
Te 73-year-old, family-owned business was started by Cooper's father, Irvin Cooper. "Our niche is the ability to ofer the customer who works or lives in the Indy downtown area the convenience of professional tire and automotive service while they work at their ofce," says Cooper. Tat includes a free downtown shutle service. "We also cater to vacation or business travelers from the nearby hotels as well as local shoppers who enjoy the ambience of our wonderful downtown area. Tis leaves their weekends free for other, perhaps more enjoyable pursuits." All Star Tire services all domestic and imported cars and light trucks, although it specializes in high performance tire sales to European and Asian imports. Do high-end vehicles require a diferent maintenance checklist? "We start with our vehicle inspection checklist," says Cooper (see page 42). "All vehicles are treated the same — up to the point where a more sophisticated vehicle may have performance or safety options not usually seen on the more mundane vehicles, such as blowers, superchargers, advanced computerization including telemetry, or a diesel engine or no internal combustion engine at all." For example, one of Cooper's customers is a Tesla owner who brings his car in for new tires. Inspections are performed not by the dealership but by the factory through a telemetric computer connection at 2 a.m. — or as necessary — in the owner's home garage. "We fnd that the content of the vehicle inspection (with the noted exception of the Tesla) is the same from vehicle to vehicle regardless of cost or age. "Rather, the diference is between the customers, as some see their vehicles as a means of transport, like a horse or a bicycle, while others take great pride in knowing and caring about their vehicle. "Both customers pay the bills around here, but I really enjoy listening and learning from those folks who have taken the time to learn about their 'ride,' and understand and appreciate good service." ■ Seeing the light Using a Ford Focus as an example, if the "Service engine soon" light is blinking, the engine is misfring, according to the Ford Focus Owner's Manual. "Under engine misfre conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior foor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fre." If the light stays illuminated, the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Either way, maintenance is required. As for the engine oil and flter, the manual says it should be changed every 7,500 miles. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 19117